Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

Vanaspati Herbal Medicine is run by qualified medical herbalist, Varsha Soneji. She is a Member of The National Institute of Medical Herbalists. We aim to provide natural healthcare using private herbal medicine consultations, dietary and lifestyle advice and general wellbeing information.
Our privacy policy sets out how Vanaspati Herbal Medicine uses and protects any information that you provide us with. Vanaspati Herbal Medicine is committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of our patients, website visitors and event attendees.
This notice applies to all information collected or submitted on the Vanaspati Herbal Medicine website or in person when receiving a service. Data collected for marketing, to inform you of events and services which may be of interest to you, will be kept until you request to no longer receive further marketing messages. In health consultations, we collect medical data about the patient and retain this data for 7 years after the last appointment, or if the patient is under the age of 18, 7 years after they turn 18.

2. Types of data we collect

2.1. Medical Data

Medical data (including sensitive data) is collected for the sole purpose of supporting the client with their medical concerns. Medical data is never shared with third parties. Exceptions to this are outlined in clause 2.6 Other Cases

2.2. Website Cookies

We uses cookies to help personalise your web experience. We collect data about the demographic of our audience which is not personally identifiable.

2.3. Analytics

When someone visits www.vanaspati.co.uk we use a third-party service, Google Analytics, to collect standard internet log information and details of visitor behaviour patterns. We use Analytics software to check usage statistics of the site. This information is only processed in a way which does not identify anyone. We do not make any attempt to find out the identities of those visiting our website.

2.4. Mailing Lists

We use a third-party provider, MailChimp, to deliver our newsletter. We gather statistics around email opening and clicks using industry standard technologies to help us monitor and improve our e-newsletter. When people sign up for the Vanaspati Herbal Medicine newsletter, we collect their full name and email address. We use this information to update you about health and news. For more information, please see MailChimp’s privacy notice here. You can unsubscribe to general mailings at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any of our emails/newsletters or by emailing us at varsha@vanaspati.co.uk

2.5. Cloud Storage

We use Microsoft OneDrive to back up patient records. You can view the Microsoft privacy policy here.

We may use Google Forms to collect data directly from our clients. You can view the Google privacy policy here.

2.6. Other cases

On occasion it may be necessary to contact your GP; this will be done with your express consent. We may also contact your GP without consent in the interest of your health and safety or that of others or if required to do so by law.

3. Data Security

All digital records are stored on encrypted drives and we endeavour to keep your data secure using anti-malware software and paper records are kept locked and secure.

4. Access to your personal information

You are entitled to view, correct, delete or request a copy of the personal information that we hold. Email your request to our data controller Varsha Soneji at varsha@vanaspati.co.uk or write to Vanaspati Herbal Medicine, HubSpace, Devonshire House, 582 Honeypot Lane, Stanmore, HA7 1JS. To protect your privacy and security, we will also take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections. Your first request will be free of charge however, further requests are subject to an administration fee of £50.

5. Changes to this Privacy Notice

We reserve the right to update our policy to improve privacy and keep your data secure. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes.

6. Complaints

If you wish to make a complaint about how we process your information, please contact us by emailing your request to our data controller Varsha Soneji at varsha@vanaspati.co.uk or write to Vanaspati Herbal Medicine, FAO Data Controller, HubSpace, Devonshire House, 582 Honeypot Lane, Stanmore, HA7 1JS

The Information Commissioner’s Office regulates data protection and privacy matters in the UK and you have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office at any time about the way that we use your information. You can find more details at ico.org.uk however we would appreciate the chance to deal with your concerns before you approach the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Last Updated: 7th August 2021